By Nelson Muthomi Ledama Mati
As technology advances, the way we conduct elections is evolving. Electronic voting, or e-voting, has become a topic of significant debate across the globe. While some countries have embraced this modern method, others remain cautious, weighing the benefits against potential risks. This article explores the journey of e-voting, its implications for democracy, and considers whether Kenya and by extension, Africa is prepared for this digital shift.
Electronic voting, as defined by Rene Peralta in her Britannica article titled “electronic voting,” is a form of computer-mediated voting where voters make their selections with the aid of a computer. Though the concept of e-voting predates the internet era, it was first implemented in Estonia in 2005. Around the world, its adoption varies, some countries use it for specific jurisdictions, while others employ it in smaller-scale elections.
In India, electronic voting machines (EVMs) have been in use for years. However, recent concerns about potential hacking and insider manipulation have brought the system under scrutiny. The Indian judiciary has endorsed the EVMs, yet uncertainty remains about their future whether they will be abandoned, scaled differently, or continue as is.
Morgan Thomas, a policy associate at the Council of State Governments, recounts the evolution of voting machines in America, “From colonial times until the late 1880s, voting in the U.S. was conducted orally, a practice known as viva voce. This changed with the invention of the Acme Voting Machine, which aimed to prevent voter fraud by allowing overseers to verify ballots against registered voters. Though it improved ballot counting, issues persisted, leading to the introduction of lever-style voting machines in 1892, which offered faster voting but faced challenges such as accessibility and lack of independent record-keeping. The Coyle machine, developed in 1961, used punch cards but was costly and privacy-invasive. The more successful Votomatic punch-card system emerged in 1965, becoming widely used until criticisms arose following the problematic 2000 presidential election in Florida, which highlighted issues with voter intent and ballot design. This prompted the Help America Vote Act of 2002, requiring states to upgrade voting equipment and improve accessibility, ultimately increasing the use of electronic voting systems.”
Despite its advantages, the U.S. has faced challenges with electronic voting, including allegations of foreign interference and technical issues such as touch screen calibration errors. A 2021 Statista poll in France revealed that the majority of French citizens favor electronic voting, citing its time-saving benefits as a major reason. However, they also expressed concerns about its impact on political engagement.
Turning to Kenya, the country has historically relied on secret paper ballots for voting. During President Daniel arap Moi’s era, the mlolongo system where voters lined up behind representatives holding candidates’ photos was used but eventually discarded due to allegations of vote manipulation. Under Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, voting was conducted using individual boxes for each candidate, which led to issues of ballot stuffing. Post-1974 reforms introduced transparent boxes to enhance election integrity.
Recent advancements include electronic voter registration systems, which streamline tracking and conserve time. However, the 2022 elections exposed several issues with the IEBC Results Portal, including allegations of vote manipulation, system inefficiencies, and technical problems. Opposition leader Raila Odinga challenged the results, claiming the servers were rigged, but the courts upheld the incumbent’s victory.
Given these challenges ranging from potential equipment theft and hacking risks to difficulties in remote areas and resistance from citizens Kenya appears unprepared for full-scale electronic voting. Training and public education on technology and e-voting’s benefits are essential before widespread implementation. The negative perceptions of e-voting, fueled by past failures in other countries, also need to be addressed.
As various institutions experiment with e-voting, mixed reactions reflect ongoing concerns about scalability, sustainability, and integration. While Kenya and many African countries are not yet ready for e-voting, technological advancements and increased digital literacy may pave the way for its future adoption. For now, sticking to the traditional paper ballot system remains the safer option, with hopes for a more technologically integrated electoral process in the future.
In conclusion, Kenya and much of Africa are not ready for e-voting at this stage. However, the aspiration to embrace this technology remains, as we continue to navigate the path toward modernizing our electoral systems.